IGP: Police made LTTE-linked arrests with sufficient evidence

KUALA LUMPUR: The police had sufficient evidence for arresting those with suspected ties to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militant group, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador (pic).

"If they are innocent, we will bring it to the Attorney General and if they feel that we do not have sufficient proof, then let them make the decision," he said.

He added that those arrested will be given their due rights.

"I have already instructed my officers in charge to ensure that their rights as per the law - such as family visitation and legal aid - must be fulfilled," he said after officiating the National Sports Day at Bukit Aman on Saturday (Oct 12).

"I guarantee that we will be fair and follow the standard operating procedures," added Abdul Hamid.

Previously, seven men had been detained for alleged links to the LTTE including two assemblymen.

It is learnt that among those arrested were Gadek assemblyman and Melaka exco member G. Saminathan and Seremban Jaya assemblyman P. Gunasegaran.

As for the Home Ministry's allocation under Budget 2020, the IGP said discussions would be held at the ministry-level in terms of fund distribution.

"Things like allocations to replace assets and to repair living quarters for personnel will be further discussed at the ministry level," he said.

He added that the installation of CCTV cameras at all police lock-ups would prove that most deaths in custody were due to unavoidable circumstances.